Used 1998 Subaru Forester
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1998 Subaru Forester Overview
Forester Consumer Sentiment
Owners give this generation Subaru Forester (1998-2003) a 4.5 out of 5 rating, which is higher than most, and 90% recommend it. These figures are based on 342 consumer reviews, like these:
What Owners are Saying About the 1998 Subaru Forester
"Versatility Quality Cost Efficient Work Horse"
"This is a safe, dependable, cost effective, vehicle. I have 156k on it and it runs like a top! Replaced front seat-belts when they would no longer pull out and retract properly. This car is amazing. Hope to keep driving her forever!!"
"The Best All Around Vehicle Ever"
"I get close to 30mpg on the highway and with the all wheel drive I still go more places than my friends do with their big 4x4s. It handles really good in the snow. In fact I drove it out on the lake to go ice fishing. I got close to getting stuck a couple times, but when you are motoring through up to 2 feet of snow I was very impressed!!! I've owned two fullsized trucks and a jeep before this forester and I still go through the woods and snow like I used to. This car is the BEST overal buy on the market period."
"Saved my sons life!!!"
"I've owned this car since 2001, always reliable no major issues, just routine maintenace. My son recieved his license in June. It just took a glace away from the road (no cell phone or texting) and he hit a telephone pole. The pole broke in two and the car was totaled. All he had was brusing and a sprained ankle. The Forester took all the brunt and goes to show that it is well built and a safe vehicel. Time to buy another one."
Overall 1998 Subaru Forester Quality
User sentiment suggests the overall quality of the 1998 Subaru Forester is above average for its class. Owners rated the 1998 Subaru Forester quality a 4.5 out of 5.
1998 Subaru Forester Reliability
The 1998 Subaru Forester receives an average consumer rating of 4.5 overall and a 4.6 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.
Favorite 1998 Forester Features
According to drivers of the 1998 Forester, here are some of its best features:
- Low maintenance. Safe in All Weather
- Reliability, Dependability and Good Off-road
- Reliable and great in snow and ice
- Good Price Used, Saves on Insurance
- Very handy compact suv with all wheel drive.
1998 Subaru Forester MPG by Trim
1998 Forester S Sport Utility 4D - city 18 MPG - hwy 24 MPG
1998 Forester Sport Utility 4D - city 19 MPG - hwy 25 MPG
1998 Forester L Sport Utility 4D - city 18 MPG - hwy 24 MPG
1998 Forester Safety
1998 Subaru Forester Safety Features
- Child Door Locks
- Child Seat Anchors: Not available
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Airbag
New Subaru Forester Deals and Incentives
1.9% APR | 36 months
Get 1.9% APR Financing for 36 Months on a new 2026 Forester Touring.
$339 /mo | 36 months | Due at Signing
Lease a new 2026 Forester Premium Hybrid for $339/month lease for 36 months with $4,324 due at signing.
1998 Subaru Forester
KBB.com Consumer Reviews
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1998 Subaru Forester Values and Prices
Style | Trade-In Value | Private Party Value | Fair Purchase Price | ||
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Calculate Your Budget With These KBB.com Tools
Specifications
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
Curb Weight | 3040 lbs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 95.1 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 40.6 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 43.0 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 7.5 inches | ||
Overall Length | 175.2 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 53.3 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 2000 lbs. | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 64.6 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 38.3 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 99.4 inches | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4110 lbs. | ||
Width with mirrors | 68.3 inches |
Exterior
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Privacy Glass | Available | ||
Roof Rails | Available |
Fuel Economy
City | 18 mpg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Highway | 24 mpg | ||
Combined | 20 mpg |
Mechanical
Drivetrain | AWD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Performance
Horsepower | 165 @ 5600 RPM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Torque | 162 @ 4000 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
Warranty
Basic | 3 years / 36000 miles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
Comfort & Convenience
Entertainment
Interior
Seating
Technology
1998 Subaru Forester Safety
Safety Features & Technology
1998 Subaru Forester Rankings
More Subaru Forester News & Information
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Subaru has dropped prices on all Forester Hybrids and many gas-powered Foresters for model year 2026, the company has announced.